Ireland has recorded its sixth consecutive warmer-than-average October, according to Met Éireann’s latest climate statement. The month was also significantly wetter than normal, with Atlantic low-pressure systems and two named storms bringing unsettled conditions across the country.
Key facts from Ireland’s October weather
- National mean temperature: 11.41°C
- Temperature: 0.62°C above the 1991–2020 average
- Rainfall: 155.3mm, or 120% of the long-term average
- Ranking: 28th mildest October since records began in 1900
- Rainfall ranking: 24th wettest October since 1941
- Named storms: Austen and Boelo
Why October was warmer and wetter than average
Met Éireann said Atlantic low pressure dominated much of October, directing a succession of weather systems towards Ireland and northwestern Europe. Despite several cooler spells, the overall national average remained above the long-term benchmark.
The average temperature of 11.41°C was 0.62°C higher than the 1991–2020 reference period. That made October the sixth consecutive month of its kind to record above-average national temperatures, continuing a notable pattern in Ireland’s recent climate record.
The month was also unusually wet. Ireland received 155.3mm of rain, equivalent to 120% of the long-term average. Met Éireann ranked it as the 24th wettest October since 1941. Four of the ten wettest Octobers in that record have occurred since 2001, with 2022 recording the highest rainfall total, followed by 2002, 2023 and 2008.
Storm Austen and Storm Boelo brought severe weather
The most unsettled period arrived during the fourth week of October, after a brief spell of more settled conditions. Storm Austen passed to the south on October 22nd and 23rd, bringing particularly wet and windy weather to southern and eastern areas.
Storm Boelo followed on October 24th and 25th, passing to the north and affecting northern and western parts of the country. Another deep depression then crossed the region on October 26th and 27th, extending the run of wet and windy weather.
The storms were linked to a southward-shifted North Atlantic jet stream, which guided several vigorous low-pressure systems towards northwestern Europe. These conditions created a sharp contrast with the quieter weather earlier in the month.
A changeable month from frost to Atlantic storms
October did not remain consistently mild or wet. High pressure influenced the weather during the third week, producing mostly dry conditions and sunny spells in many areas. A cooler air mass also brought the first air frost of the season on October 17th.
Conditions changed from October 20th, when slow-moving fronts moved across the country as high pressure withdrew towards Scandinavia. The resulting weather pattern produced several days of strong winds and heavy rain before conditions gradually eased at the end of the month.
High pressure building to the south and east eventually brought a calmer and drier finish. The month therefore combined mild national temperatures with short-lived cooler conditions, periods of sunshine and a notably stormy final week.
What the October figures mean for Ireland
The figures provide another clear snapshot of Ireland’s changing weather patterns. One warmer-than-average month cannot explain the full climate picture on its own, but the six-year sequence is significant because it places recent October conditions within a longer run of elevated temperatures.
The rainfall data also highlights the increasingly variable nature of Irish weather. A month can record above-average temperatures while still experiencing damaging winds, heavy rain and short periods of frost. For households, farmers, transport operators and local authorities, that variability can be as important as the monthly average.
- Households: Wet and windy conditions can affect heating needs, travel and flood preparedness.
- Farmers: Persistent rain can influence ground conditions, field access and autumn work.
- Transport: Atlantic storms may disrupt road, rail, ferry and aviation services.
- Local authorities: Heavy rainfall can increase pressure on drainage and vulnerable areas.
Frequently asked questions about Ireland’s October weather
How warm was October 2026 in Ireland?
Ireland’s national mean temperature was 11.41°C, which was 0.62°C above the 1991–2020 long-term average.
Was October 2026 wet?
Yes. Ireland recorded 155.3mm of rainfall, equal to 120% of the long-term average. It was the 24th wettest October since 1941.
Which storms affected Ireland?
Storm Austen affected the south and east on October 22nd and 23rd. Storm Boelo affected the north and west on October 24th and 25th.
Was there frost during the month?
Yes. A cooler air mass brought the first air frost of the season on October 17th.
What happens next?
Met Éireann’s October assessment provides context for the months ahead, but it does not by itself determine Ireland’s winter weather. Conditions will continue to depend on large-scale atmospheric patterns, Atlantic activity and the position of pressure systems.
Residents should continue to monitor official Met Éireann forecasts during periods of heavy rain, strong winds or possible flooding. Weather warnings can change quickly, particularly when deep Atlantic depressions approach the country.
Conclusion
This latest Breaking News Ireland update shows that October 2026 was both milder and wetter than normal. The sixth consecutive warmer-than-average October, combined with rainfall at 120% of the long-term average and impacts from Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, underlines the need to follow reliable forecasts and prepare for increasingly changeable Irish weather.